The Words of a Winner

Barry Ratzlaff Transformed Into a Winner—in Bodybuilding and in Life—and Now He's Teaching Others How to Build Their Best Bodies Too!

By Barry Ratzlaff, 2005 iSatori/Real SOLUTIONS "Best Body" Champion

In the harbor of Cabos, Barry and his wife, Jana, with Stephen and Julia Adele.

Tragedy. Transformation. Triumph. Those are typically the words which define someone who has undergone a successful change in their physique and, in most instances, in their lives. It wasn't any different for Barry Ratzlaff.

A resident of Abbotsford, Canada. Father of four. And devoted husband to his wife Jana. Barry remembers his "first" transformation championship, over five years ago, as if it were yesterday.

Barry and Jana enjoying a lobster feast at Lorenzillo's in Cabos.

Some of you former readers of Muscle Media magazine, and followers of the Body-for-LIFE program, may remember Barry from a profile that appeared in the June/July 2000 issue of Muscle Media. Barry was the first crowned champion of the Body-for-LIFE Canadian challenge.

In the five years that would follow, however, a lot would change in Barry's life. He and his wife had another child. He decided to retire from being a youth pastor. And, casually, he let his physique and the healthy mindset he was so proud of "slip." Not into an out-of-control, downward spiral, but the kind of derailment we all encounter when "things" just come up and keep us from working out, eating as well as we should, and keeping track of the image we see in the mirror.

As a result, one day, as with his initial transformation, Barry "woke up." He had an epiphany—an awakening, if you will. He realized he didn't like what he had become. He really didn't like what he saw in the mirror. What's more, he especially didn't like the role model he was (or wasn't) becoming for his family and his clients. That's when he knew it was time for another change!

As luck would have it, he received an email on his computer at home. It said...

The spectacular view from Barry's suite of the beach at the exclusive Casa Del Mar Spa.

"iSatori and Real SOLUTIONS Are Searching for a Spokesperson. Enter the 'Best Body' Contest and Win!"

The announcement was all the inspiration he needed.

Just eight weeks later, Barry not only successfully transformed his physique, but he reclaimed the direction of his life. And, of course, he became our first "Best Body" Champion, serving as a spokesperson for iSatori and Real SOLUTIONS. But, better than that, he's now opened up a "transformation" studio with his wife and is teaching others how to build their best bodies. His success rate, with clients, is nothing short of astronomical. And now, he's loving life again.

With his grand prize—an all-expenses paid trip to the beautiful Casa Del Mar Health & Beauty Spa—and plenty of spending money, Barry spent four lavish days with Editor-in-Chief, Stephen Adele, who asked him about what he's learned from his recent transformation and to share his "success secrets" for others who want follow in his footsteps. Here's what Barry had to say...

Barry and Jana enjoying an intense workout at the local health club. (Barry needs a towel!)

When I received the call to let me know I had won the iSatori/Real SOLUTIONS Best Body Contest, I was completely honored, stunned, and humbled. I felt honored because Lean System 7 is something I definitely believe in and have benefited from greatly.

I was stunned, especially knowing how many individuals enter this contest and put their hearts and souls into making an internal and external transformation. I felt very humbled at the realization that my experience would inspire others to make a change and pursue "the best body their genetics will allow" (to quote Stephen Adele).

The Whirlwind Begins with a Blast!

I was barely over the surprise of being selected as the winner when I received a call from Stephen inviting my wife Jana and me to Denver to participate in the production of a TV commercial! Too cool! Stephen and his wife Julia and the whole crew at iSatori are so down to earth and genuine, and the whole filming experience was a blast.

Following the filming, we were able to tour the iSatori headquarters, meet the team, and see what it takes to keep this great company growing smoothly. My wife and I got to meet some amazing individuals who had experienced incredible transformations and were equally excited to be there representing iSatori. (Keep on pumping, Marty [Reddy]!)

Becoming a Spokesperson

Since winning the contest, I have sincerely enjoyed sharing my experiences with my friends and clients and recommending Lean System 7, Meta-CEL, Energize, and Eat-Smart to those looking for products with integrity—that is, supplements that actually do what they claim they will!

Being and staying lean is a commitment, and having the resources iSatori provides, especially their Total Solutions™, gives you the edge to keep pushing further and reaching higher, to truly make fitness your lifestyle.

One of the most common comments I'm told when people hear of someone making a dramatic change in a relatively short period of time is, "There is no way! No one could do that. These photos are rigged or altered on a computer!"

Barry and Stephen relaxing after a hard workout in the beautiful pool at Casa Del Mar.

My mission is to restore the hope most individuals have lost concerning their bodies. Believing "my physical body is deteriorating faster than I can rebuild it, so I'm just giving up" is no way to live. I not only believe but have seen, again and again, that anyone can restore their physical self beyond what they thought possible, and in so doing restore their minds, emotions, and even their dreams.

This contest is not about the "perfect" body or amazing prizes, although those are very compelling; it's about becoming what each of us deep down sees ourselves as being—the strongest, most energetic, limitation-smashing person we can be! This is the same vision the team at iSatori have for their customers, which I'm certain helps them achieve their best bodies and lives.

The Rewards for a Champion

I have to say one word about the Grand Prize trip to Cabos and Casa Del Mar: Unbelievable!! The resort was so beautiful, the beaches were like none we had ever seen, and the opportunity to meet and hang out with Stephen and Julia Adele was unprecedented! We had a fantastic time with these two wonderful human beings! Whether we were relaxing poolside, getting pampered in the Spa, dining on incredible seafood in Cabos, or getting our butts kicked in the gym, we had a great time with them. I have to admit, it is a little intimidating working out with Stephen—a guy with a great physique who has trained with some of the top names in fitness. It's one more experience I will not soon forget. Thanks Stephen, Julia, and iSatori for the experience of a lifetime!

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I look forward to what this year holds for my wife, my four kids, and me, as I represent iSatori. Here's to many more dramatic transformations, inside and out!

Editor's Note: See Barry's transformation, and learn his "success secrets" inside Stephen Adele's new book, The Lean System Success Plan. The Perfect Plan for Targeted Fat Loss, Customized to Your Metabolic Body Type. Now available.

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(* Help Us Raise $25,000>> 50% of the proceeds are donated to a Children's Hospital for physically and sexually abused children.)

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